My friend was on a trotro (bus) when one of these walk on preachers gets on. He claimed rastas were evil and anyone wearing cowrie shells is possessed. He also kept looking at my friend who was listening to music on his headphones and talking about people who want to block the Word.
In Europe this preacher would almost certainly be ridiculed and told to sit down. The passengers would challenge his ignorant and hateful words. But in Ghana, no one says anything. Perhaps they agree? Perhaps they believe that “men of God” should not be challenged? Perhaps they don’t actually know what the bible says and appreciate anyone’s interpretation no matter what it is?
Some may ask why my friend remained silent, even when being personally attacked. To challenge the preacher would probably result in him being labelled as evil and the passengers would almost certainly be against him.
How did we arrive here? Why should anyone who preaches automatically gain our respect? How much longer will ignorance masquerading as religion be tolerated?
In Ghana many do not voice their opinion when it goes against the grain and especially when we find ourselves in company that is unlikely to appreciate our divergent view. Unfortunately, the ignorant and not so level-headed who cannot have an objective debate without getting personal are many.
The minority which is not necessarily on the “wrong” side of an argument tends to be quite. Majority of us fear confrontation; I don’t know where it comes from really but I do know it keeps us from progressing because a fear of confrontation means we do not question the status quo or seeming “authority” much and we do not care to find out for ourselves either.
The bus preachers and early morning “wake up” agents are most irritating to encounter.
Thanks for that comment – that was helpful for me to gain a better understanding.
Perceptive post reflecting reality here. Magnify this situation in residential neighborhoods, even so called first class residential neighbourhoods, blasted by these preachers. Always it’s left to the foreigner victim to complain with no support from neighbors nor municipal departments. It’s simply fear and intimidation that’s what paralyses people.
I just found your blog and couldnt stop reading it. Great job. Fear is definitely a factor but even deeper is the mindset and general beliefs in the culture. Almost every child grows up with the constant reminder of witchcraft, demons, hell, juju, and supernatural powers out to get them. The only “antidote” is the word of God which is used by these “preachers” to get away with public nuisance.
Thanks for your kind comments. I wonder how we can break the cycle of supernatural indoctrination amongst the children? It seems even the teachers are infected!
It would have to begin with educating the parents/teachers and having them understand the psychological effects such beliefs have.
I do wonder if you, Graham, do know the value Ghanaians put on the Bible and it’s contents. Spelling the word in all lowercase could get you a very harsh treatment not to talk of talking back at the person holding it.
This stereotypical thinking has been in place since.